Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists in Glencoe, IL
Brighter Pathways, PLLC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glencoe, IL 60022
Our providers proudly strive to be anti-oppressive, anti-racist, anti-ableist, LGBTQA-Plus allied, neurodiversity-affirming, body positive, and sex positive.
In-person & telehealth available: Brighter Pathways, PLLC is a small group practice currently offering individual, couples, family, and group therapies. Our therapists value collaboration, education, and transparency because treatment should make sense to you. In order to best meet your needs, your therapist will strive to understand your unique circumstances. We believe in a team approach to treatment. We will work with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your personal goals and struggles. We offer a safe, supportive, and open environment for you to explore your struggles and strive for personal growth.
Our providers proudly strive to be anti-oppressive, anti-racist, anti-ableist, LGBTQA-Plus allied, neurodiversity-affirming, body positive, and sex positive.
In-person & telehealth available: Brighter Pathways, PLLC is a small group practice currently offering individual, couples, family, and group therapies. Our therapists value collaboration, education, and transparency because treatment should make sense to you. In order to best meet your needs, your therapist will strive to understand your unique circumstances. We believe in a team approach to treatment. We will work with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your personal goals and struggles. We offer a safe, supportive, and open environment for you to explore your struggles and strive for personal growth.
Paulina Birgiolaite
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCTP, AASW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Glencoe, IL 60022 (Online Only)
Are you a woman struggling with carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders? Maybe you've been labeled a "perfectionist", or can't seem to find the courage to say no to projects at work? Perhaps you're second-guessing your life choices, not sure what direction to take with your career, relationships, or future? You're exhausted & anxious, tired of constantly problem solving and taking care of everyone else... but yourself? This chronic stress leads to burnout- feeling stuck, helpless, and exhausted. If you're motivated to make a change that helps you rediscover the inner Queen that you are, you've come to the right place
Are you a woman struggling with carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders? Maybe you've been labeled a "perfectionist", or can't seem to find the courage to say no to projects at work? Perhaps you're second-guessing your life choices, not sure what direction to take with your career, relationships, or future? You're exhausted & anxious, tired of constantly problem solving and taking care of everyone else... but yourself? This chronic stress leads to burnout- feeling stuck, helpless, and exhausted. If you're motivated to make a change that helps you rediscover the inner Queen that you are, you've come to the right place
Dr. Nancy Goodrich Mitts
Psychologist, PhD, LCP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Glencoe, IL 60022 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Are you feeling lost and completely overwhelmed? Have you found yourself struggling to cope and feeling burnt out lately? Are you wanting to heal from past trauma? Maybe you've been feeling on edge and out of control when things go wrong. You may be having a hard time in your relationships and wonder if you're the problem because you've always felt lonely, unwanted, and disconnected. Or maybe you've noticed that you're extra hard on yourself and are struggling with the sense that deep down you're not good enough. If any of these descriptions resonate with you, please know that you're not alone and we can figure things out together.
Are you feeling lost and completely overwhelmed? Have you found yourself struggling to cope and feeling burnt out lately? Are you wanting to heal from past trauma? Maybe you've been feeling on edge and out of control when things go wrong. You may be having a hard time in your relationships and wonder if you're the problem because you've always felt lonely, unwanted, and disconnected. Or maybe you've noticed that you're extra hard on yourself and are struggling with the sense that deep down you're not good enough. If any of these descriptions resonate with you, please know that you're not alone and we can figure things out together.
Erik Schuster
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glencoe, IL 60022
“How is this therapist going to help me?” Fair question. From over 10,000 hours in my broad clinical career to my own harrowing lived experiences, I will bring you a time-tested perspective ready to address your real-life concerns in therapy. The clients I serve come from diverse ethnic, economic and cultural backgrounds, but share the essential similarity of readiness for change. Furthermore, the clinical issues I help individuals and couples to address range from chronic mental illness, neurodivergent struggles, substance misuse, gender/sexuality development, general life "stuck-ness" and differing forms of infidelity.
“How is this therapist going to help me?” Fair question. From over 10,000 hours in my broad clinical career to my own harrowing lived experiences, I will bring you a time-tested perspective ready to address your real-life concerns in therapy. The clients I serve come from diverse ethnic, economic and cultural backgrounds, but share the essential similarity of readiness for change. Furthermore, the clinical issues I help individuals and couples to address range from chronic mental illness, neurodivergent struggles, substance misuse, gender/sexuality development, general life "stuck-ness" and differing forms of infidelity.
Counseling with Maggie, PLLC
Counselor, LCPC, EMDR, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Glencoe, IL 60022
It’s difficult to predict how you’ll feel from one moment to the next. A second ago, you were keyed up; every muscle in your body tense and on high alert, ready for danger to strike. Now, you’re completely checked out, numb to the world, sleepwalking through the day. You know this isn’t a sustainable way to live, but you’re not sure how else to cope with the painful wounds of your past. It’s as though you can no longer trust yourself to differentiate between safe and threatening situations, so you avoid everything. You’re struggling at work and growing more distant from your loved ones each day. Something needs to change, and soon.
It’s difficult to predict how you’ll feel from one moment to the next. A second ago, you were keyed up; every muscle in your body tense and on high alert, ready for danger to strike. Now, you’re completely checked out, numb to the world, sleepwalking through the day. You know this isn’t a sustainable way to live, but you’re not sure how else to cope with the painful wounds of your past. It’s as though you can no longer trust yourself to differentiate between safe and threatening situations, so you avoid everything. You’re struggling at work and growing more distant from your loved ones each day. Something needs to change, and soon.
More Therapists Nearby
Steve Baltrukonis
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Northbrook, IL 60062 (Online Only)
He specializes in working with individuals navigating trauma, CPTSD, BPD, emotional dysregulation, overwhelm, crises of identity/spirituality, existential dread, poly/kink/BDSM, and LGBTQIA+-related issues.
Steve is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who identifies as deeply spiritual, queer, an artist, a mindfulness teacher, and a therapist deeply committed to the art and science of healing through empathy and conversation. He believes too many people go through life confusing their true self with the person folks would like them to be. He is honored to walk alongside his clients as they parse their identities, meeting the authentic individual as they uncover new parts of their self. Steve takes pride in bringing compassion and care to sessions with his clients.
He specializes in working with individuals navigating trauma, CPTSD, BPD, emotional dysregulation, overwhelm, crises of identity/spirituality, existential dread, poly/kink/BDSM, and LGBTQIA+-related issues.
Steve is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who identifies as deeply spiritual, queer, an artist, a mindfulness teacher, and a therapist deeply committed to the art and science of healing through empathy and conversation. He believes too many people go through life confusing their true self with the person folks would like them to be. He is honored to walk alongside his clients as they parse their identities, meeting the authentic individual as they uncover new parts of their self. Steve takes pride in bringing compassion and care to sessions with his clients.
Morgan Concepcion, LCPC, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Highland Park, IL 60035
I am a sex-positive, trauma-informed, psychodynamic and client affirming therapist who specializes in depression, anxiety, interpersonal boundaries, relationships, work-life balance, and family of origin issues. I work with adults in individual or relationship therapy. I have a wide variety of clientele, including those who are LGBTQIA, CNM/Polyamorous, and BDSM/Kinky. I have experience working in community mental health, private practice, and in smoking cessation and psychosocial rehabilitation groups. Boundaries, Expectations, Assertive Communication and Self-Esteem are some of my favorite topics to discuss in therapy.
I am a sex-positive, trauma-informed, psychodynamic and client affirming therapist who specializes in depression, anxiety, interpersonal boundaries, relationships, work-life balance, and family of origin issues. I work with adults in individual or relationship therapy. I have a wide variety of clientele, including those who are LGBTQIA, CNM/Polyamorous, and BDSM/Kinky. I have experience working in community mental health, private practice, and in smoking cessation and psychosocial rehabilitation groups. Boundaries, Expectations, Assertive Communication and Self-Esteem are some of my favorite topics to discuss in therapy.
Rachel Rios
Pre-Licensed Professional, LSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Northbrook, IL 60062
I specialize in helping teens and young adults navigate the complexities of life, providing a safe and supportive environment for therapy. I understand that this stage of life can be challenging, and my goal is to make therapy a positive experience, where you feel heard and valued. Together, we'll work on building skills and strategies to help you manage stress, anxiety, and other issues that come with growing up. My approach is empathetic and empowering, designed to give you the tools you need to thrive in this tough world. Let's take this journey together—you're not alone
I specialize in helping teens and young adults navigate the complexities of life, providing a safe and supportive environment for therapy. I understand that this stage of life can be challenging, and my goal is to make therapy a positive experience, where you feel heard and valued. Together, we'll work on building skills and strategies to help you manage stress, anxiety, and other issues that come with growing up. My approach is empathetic and empowering, designed to give you the tools you need to thrive in this tough world. Let's take this journey together—you're not alone
Renee Hangartner
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Northfield, IL 60093
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with 12 years of experience. After graduating with my PhD, I changed my focus from research and teaching to direct clinical work in response to the pandemic. I’m also the owner of Northside Clinical Psychologists. I provide individual psychotherapy and couples therapy for a variety of different relationship configurations. I also conduct psycho-educational and diagnostic assessments for adults and teens. I specialize in depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, and relationship issues. I have extensive training in ERP (Exposure Response Prevention), CPT, CBT, DBT, ACT, family interventions, and IPT.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with 12 years of experience. After graduating with my PhD, I changed my focus from research and teaching to direct clinical work in response to the pandemic. I’m also the owner of Northside Clinical Psychologists. I provide individual psychotherapy and couples therapy for a variety of different relationship configurations. I also conduct psycho-educational and diagnostic assessments for adults and teens. I specialize in depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, and relationship issues. I have extensive training in ERP (Exposure Response Prevention), CPT, CBT, DBT, ACT, family interventions, and IPT.
The Calm Tigress: Nisha Agmata Paliwal
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Winnetka, IL 60093
Welcome to YOUR space of growth, if you accept, my dear fellow Human! You are capable of everything you desire for yourself & your inner world - change, healing, empowerment, upliftment, release, fulfillment, peace, liberation, & anything else your spirit truly yearns for. In this moment, Life may be immensely challenging you, but somehow you may still be exactly where you are supposed to be. At this fragile place where our paths converge I lay out in front of you this question: How can your mental wellness be truly supported right now, in the unique way YOU require?
Welcome to YOUR space of growth, if you accept, my dear fellow Human! You are capable of everything you desire for yourself & your inner world - change, healing, empowerment, upliftment, release, fulfillment, peace, liberation, & anything else your spirit truly yearns for. In this moment, Life may be immensely challenging you, but somehow you may still be exactly where you are supposed to be. At this fragile place where our paths converge I lay out in front of you this question: How can your mental wellness be truly supported right now, in the unique way YOU require?
Chris Martinez
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Northfield, IL 60093
The human experience can be challenging at times. One can encounter situations leading to feeling powerless, in pain, or stuck. At times, this can look like an individual ruminating in the past or experiencing levels of depression. Or possibly, one can also be worried about the future or experiencing anxiety levels. I value the autonomy that people have and their ability to problem solve. Yet, I also acknowledge that a constructive and intentional space could provide efficiency for individuals maneuvering through various situations. As a counselor, I intend to help you within this space and support you on your healing journey.
The human experience can be challenging at times. One can encounter situations leading to feeling powerless, in pain, or stuck. At times, this can look like an individual ruminating in the past or experiencing levels of depression. Or possibly, one can also be worried about the future or experiencing anxiety levels. I value the autonomy that people have and their ability to problem solve. Yet, I also acknowledge that a constructive and intentional space could provide efficiency for individuals maneuvering through various situations. As a counselor, I intend to help you within this space and support you on your healing journey.
(Mary) Nancy Hollis
Pre-Licensed Professional, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Winnetka, IL 60093 (Online Only)
It is not always easy to admit when we need help – and then to ask for it. Taking the step to seek therapy is an important one, and I want to help make it a positive experience for you. Sometimes our worlds on the inside and on the outside can leave us with overwhelming feelings that may not be easy to manage on our own, and you don’t have to. As you work with me, you will find that I am compassionate and easy to talk to. I support clients in a number of areas, including: trauma; questions around identity and expression; relationships; family of origin; life transitions; anxiety; and depression, to name a few.
It is not always easy to admit when we need help – and then to ask for it. Taking the step to seek therapy is an important one, and I want to help make it a positive experience for you. Sometimes our worlds on the inside and on the outside can leave us with overwhelming feelings that may not be easy to manage on our own, and you don’t have to. As you work with me, you will find that I am compassionate and easy to talk to. I support clients in a number of areas, including: trauma; questions around identity and expression; relationships; family of origin; life transitions; anxiety; and depression, to name a few.
Unify Counseling Inc: Individual & Couples
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Northfield, IL 60093
Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, confused, frustrated, discouraged, disappointed, lost, anxious, sad or angry, you are not alone. Most of us experience those feelings at some point in our lives. We care about the people we serve, and we believe every person is individual, authentic, and unique. We use evidence-based practice (EBP) methods for mental health to help children, pre-teens, teenagers, adults, couples, and families to live their best lives. We understand that therapy can seem scary and intimidating, though we know that finding the support you need is the key to starting the self- healing process.
Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, confused, frustrated, discouraged, disappointed, lost, anxious, sad or angry, you are not alone. Most of us experience those feelings at some point in our lives. We care about the people we serve, and we believe every person is individual, authentic, and unique. We use evidence-based practice (EBP) methods for mental health to help children, pre-teens, teenagers, adults, couples, and families to live their best lives. We understand that therapy can seem scary and intimidating, though we know that finding the support you need is the key to starting the self- healing process.
Michael Chapman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Winnetka, IL 60093
I'm here to guide you when you are ready. I value a truly collaborative approach that allows you to take ownership of your treatment. I believe in the importance of creating a therapeutic space where you can show up as your authentic selves and be open.
I'm here to guide you when you are ready. I value a truly collaborative approach that allows you to take ownership of your treatment. I believe in the importance of creating a therapeutic space where you can show up as your authentic selves and be open.
Jeremy Scott Frankenthal
Pre-Licensed Professional, LPC
Verified Verified
Northbrook, IL 60062
My main clinical concentration is with adolescents and young adults. Jeremy believes that each client is the expert of their own life, and utilizes a collaborative and here-and-now philosophy with clients to help them live their truest and ideal self. Jeremy utilizes a client-centered approach to therapy.
My main clinical concentration is with adolescents and young adults. Jeremy believes that each client is the expert of their own life, and utilizes a collaborative and here-and-now philosophy with clients to help them live their truest and ideal self. Jeremy utilizes a client-centered approach to therapy.
Gioia Pirrello
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Winnetka, IL 60093
As a therapist, it is my goal to help clients develop a deeper understanding of their experiences, beliefs, and emotions, so that they might live more full and authentic lives. Since each of us faces unique challenges and obstacles on our path towards change, I approach therapy as a collaborative, nonjudgmental process in which we will co-create a space where we can be thoughtful, open, and curious about what is shared.
As a therapist, it is my goal to help clients develop a deeper understanding of their experiences, beliefs, and emotions, so that they might live more full and authentic lives. Since each of us faces unique challenges and obstacles on our path towards change, I approach therapy as a collaborative, nonjudgmental process in which we will co-create a space where we can be thoughtful, open, and curious about what is shared.
Stephanie DeFilippis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Northfield, IL 60093 (Online Only)
I'm so glad you're here. Taking the first step in your mental health journey is brave and rewarding. At Crescent Moon Therapy, we passionately believe in empowering you to be your most complete self in order to be present for yourself and your family. The therapeutic process is a collaborative space aimed at supporting you in your healing to help you conquer your challenges and work to make positive change. As your therapist, we are with you in your journey to change.
I'm so glad you're here. Taking the first step in your mental health journey is brave and rewarding. At Crescent Moon Therapy, we passionately believe in empowering you to be your most complete self in order to be present for yourself and your family. The therapeutic process is a collaborative space aimed at supporting you in your healing to help you conquer your challenges and work to make positive change. As your therapist, we are with you in your journey to change.
Courtney Wilson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Northbrook, IL 60062 (Online Only)
You deserve to be loud, messy, sensitive and angry- and loved exactly for who you are. You’ve gotten used to living with your anxiety, but it’s a struggle. Things are hectic and your mind just never stops. If you’re waiting for the world to slow down, you may be waiting for a while. I know what it’s like to try to control your world through endless schedules and to-do lists, to power through, to live on auto-pilot. To ignore long-held family stories that influence how you show up in the world, to criticize yourself so harshly. Together in therapy, we can begin by helping you slow down enough and get curious about what's next.
You deserve to be loud, messy, sensitive and angry- and loved exactly for who you are. You’ve gotten used to living with your anxiety, but it’s a struggle. Things are hectic and your mind just never stops. If you’re waiting for the world to slow down, you may be waiting for a while. I know what it’s like to try to control your world through endless schedules and to-do lists, to power through, to live on auto-pilot. To ignore long-held family stories that influence how you show up in the world, to criticize yourself so harshly. Together in therapy, we can begin by helping you slow down enough and get curious about what's next.
Laura Tatgenhorst
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Northbrook, IL 60062 (Online Only)
The urge to not just exist, but to thrive is universally one of the toughest challenges that one can learn to navigate. It can be even harder when you may not feel equipped with the tools to prepare yourself for this massive endeavor. You may feel the need to mask, or hide your truest self in order to ‘get by’ and make things easier on yourself and others around you. I try to tell clients that they deserve to allow themselves to be the truest version of yourself, no matter what that may look like or what society may think. I am here to help guide you through the veil of uncertainty so that I can help you be your most authentic self.
The urge to not just exist, but to thrive is universally one of the toughest challenges that one can learn to navigate. It can be even harder when you may not feel equipped with the tools to prepare yourself for this massive endeavor. You may feel the need to mask, or hide your truest self in order to ‘get by’ and make things easier on yourself and others around you. I try to tell clients that they deserve to allow themselves to be the truest version of yourself, no matter what that may look like or what society may think. I am here to help guide you through the veil of uncertainty so that I can help you be your most authentic self.
Thalia Tikka
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Northbrook, IL 60062 (Online Only)
Therapy can be a radically liberating process, and I believe our personal and inner healing work is part of the larger social justice movements we participate in for our mutual liberation. As a queer person myself, I tend to work with other LGBTQ+ people exploring and expanding their sexualities and gender identities. As someone involved in radical politics, I offer validation and therapeutic solidarity to abolitionists and activists across the spectrum of liberation movements. And as a person with mental illness, I offer a dignified and person-centered approach to caring for our most sensitive personal issues and life challenges.
Therapy can be a radically liberating process, and I believe our personal and inner healing work is part of the larger social justice movements we participate in for our mutual liberation. As a queer person myself, I tend to work with other LGBTQ+ people exploring and expanding their sexualities and gender identities. As someone involved in radical politics, I offer validation and therapeutic solidarity to abolitionists and activists across the spectrum of liberation movements. And as a person with mental illness, I offer a dignified and person-centered approach to caring for our most sensitive personal issues and life challenges.
See more therapy options for Glencoe
Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists
Why might an individual want to see a sex-positive, kink-allied therapist?
A sex-positive or kinky individual may want to see a sex-positive, kink-allied therapist because the client may feel safer and more supported discussing their experiences and challenges. A therapist who identifies as kink-friendly will have experience with clients having diverse sexual preferences and will likely be nonjudgmental and supportive about issues brought to the table. It is important to note that sex-positive, kink-allied individuals may find equal success with therapists who do not have such specialized knowledge and background. The most important factor in the success of therapy is for the client and practitioner to form a strong, trusting bond.
Do therapists have special training to gain expertise in sex-positive, kink-allied treatment?
Generally, no. There are limited training programs and unofficial accreditations that therapists can pursue, but a therapist’s expertise will ultimately come from their previous experience with similar clients, their engagement with organizations that promote sex positivity or kink-allied lifestyles, and the importance they place on safety and cultural sensitivity.
How can individuals recognize a good sex-positive, kink-allied therapist?
An experienced therapist is able to help clients explore their sexual identity and expression and relieve any discomfort or stigma attached to discussing such matters and the client’s overall challenges. A therapist who is sex-positive and kink-allied is able to create an environment that honors a client’s experience and sexual preferences. To recognize a good therapist, clients can simply ask directly about topics and issues important to them and gauge their comfort level and connection with a clinician based on the responses.
Can clients benefit from having a therapist with a focus on sex positivity and alternative sexual lifestyles?
Some individuals may feel most comfortable knowing that the clinician they’re working with has a commitment to creating an atmosphere of sex positivity and has experience with relationship diversity and alternative relationship structures. Working with a sex-positive, kink-allied therapist may help clients respect their own challenges and improve identity-affirming treatment.